The Success Stories of Pinterest and Strava: Lessons for Entrepreneurs

The Success Stories of Pinterest and Strava: Lessons for Entrepreneurs

In the world of startups, success is a rare gem. Many ventures fail within the first few years, unable to gain traction or find a loyal user base. However, there are always those exceptional cases that defy the odds and become global sensations. Two such success stories are Pinterest and Strava, both of which have achieved remarkable growth and popularity in their respective niches. By examining the journeys of these two companies, we can uncover valuable insights and lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Pinterest, the brainchild of Ben Silbermann, initially struggled to gain momentum. In its early days, the platform had less than 10,000 users after nine months of launch. However, Silbermann's unwavering dedication to his vision kept him going. He saw Pinterest as a way for people to continue their collections online, something he himself was passionate about since childhood. Silbermann's love for collecting things projected his identity, and he wanted to provide a platform for others to do the same. This deep connection to the product fueled his determination to keep improving it, despite the slow growth.

One crucial factor that kept Pinterest afloat during its early days was the support of early adopters. Silbermann personally reached out to the first 5,000 users, going the extra mile to connect with them. He even shared his cell phone number and maintained communication with them. This personal touch created a sense of community and loyalty among the users, who felt valued and heard. It is a testament to the power of doing things that don't scale, as Silbermann's personal efforts played a significant role in Pinterest's survival.

Silbermann's fear of failure also motivated him to persevere. The idea of admitting defeat and telling everyone that they had failed was too embarrassing for him. He wanted to prove himself and show that Pinterest had the potential to succeed. This fear of failure and the desire for redemption fueled his determination to push through the tough times and keep striving for success.

On the other hand, Strava, the popular fitness app, has achieved tremendous growth by staying true to its core mission - building a community. Michael Quarles, the CEO of Strava, emphasizes the importance of community in the app's success. People don't just download Strava; they join Strava. The sense of belonging and camaraderie within the Strava community has been a driving force behind its growth.

Quarles believes in the power of simplicity. He emphasizes the need to keep things simple and make deliberate choices about what not to include in the app. This discipline has contributed to Strava's success, as users appreciate the app's straightforward and focused approach. By staying true to their North Star and avoiding unnecessary complexities, Strava has built a product that people love.

The phrase "If it's not on Strava, it didn't happen" has become synonymous with the app. It highlights the app's role as a proof of work in public. Strava allows users to track their athletic achievements and share them with the community. This public display of accomplishments creates a sense of accountability and motivation among users. It also fosters healthy competition, as athletes strive to set records and achieve new personal bests. This unique aspect of Strava has contributed to its appeal and growth.

Both Pinterest and Strava offer valuable lessons for entrepreneurs. Here are three actionable pieces of advice that can be derived from their success stories:

• 1. Find Your Passion: Building a successful startup requires unwavering dedication and belief in your vision. Just like Ben Silbermann's love for collecting things drove him to create Pinterest, entrepreneurs should pursue ideas that they are deeply passionate about. The connection to the product or service will fuel your motivation during challenging times.

• 2. Foster a Community: Building a strong community around your product or service can be a game-changer. Personal connections, like the ones formed by Silbermann through direct communication with early Pinterest users, create a sense of loyalty and belonging. Make an effort to engage with your users, listen to their feedback, and build a community that people want to be a part of.

• 3. Keep it Simple: In a world filled with complexity, simplicity can be a breath of fresh air. Strava's success can be attributed, in part, to its focused and straightforward approach. Avoid feature bloat and unnecessary complexities. Keep your product or service simple, user-friendly, and aligned with your core mission.

In conclusion, the success stories of Pinterest and Strava provide valuable insights for entrepreneurs. From Ben Silbermann's unwavering dedication to his vision and personal connection to the product, to Michael Quarles' emphasis on community and simplicity, there are valuable lessons to be learned. By finding your passion, fostering a community, and keeping things simple, you can increase your chances of building a successful startup. So, go forth, embrace these lessons, and carve your own path to startup success.